People use contact lenses for different reasons. While some use them as an aesthetic alternative to specs, others use them for convenience. However, what we tend to ignore is that long-term use of contact lenses can negatively impact eye health. A huge number of individuals rely on them daily, but wearing contact lenses for long periods without proper care may cause serious eye problems. Here’s why you should be cautious with contact lenses, and learn how to protect your eyes.
1. Reduced Oxygen Supply to the Cornea
Your eyes need oxygen to stay healthy. Contact lenses act as a barrier, obstructing and reducing the oxygen supply reaching the cornea. Over time, this can lead to corneal hypoxia, causing discomfort, redness, and even vision-threatening conditions. Newer lenses allow better oxygen flow, but prolonged use is still associated with risks.
2. Increased Risk of Eye Infections
If you have been wearing contact lenses for a long time, you are vulnerable to eye infections like keratitis (corneal inflammation), especially if you wear lenses even at night or do not clean them properly. Bacteria, fungi, and parasites can accumulate on lenses. This increases the risk of serious infections that may even cause permanent vision loss.
3. Dry Eye Syndrome
Wearing contact lenses for extended hours can harm the natural tear film. It could lead to dry eye syndrome. Dry eye symptoms include irritation, burning, itching, and a gritty sensation in the eyes, making you feel very uncomfortable and affecting your efficiency. People who already have dry eyes may discover that contact lenses further worsened their condition.
4. Corneal Damage and Scratches
Another harmful effect of long-term lens wear is that it can lead to micro-scratches on the cornea. It makes your cornea more prone to infections and scarring. If your lenses do not fit properly or you do not handle them well, you stand at risk of suffering corneal abrasions. Again, it could lead not only to discomfort but also carries risk of potential vision problems.
5. Contact Lens Intolerance
Some long-term users develop contact lens intolerance (CLI). It means your eyes become too sensitive to tolerate lenses. Be alert if you encounter symptoms like eye discomfort, excessive tearing, and a constant foreign body sensation. This can make it difficult for you to continue wearing lenses. So, eventually you have to look for alternative vision correction options.
6. Allergic Reactions and Lens Deposits
Over time, lenses may also get spoiled. Protein and lipid deposits from tears can build up on lenses. It can cause allergic reactions or irritation in your eyes. If you have any seasonal allergies, your symptoms may worsen due to lens-related allergens.
How to Protect Your Eyes from Contact Lens Related Harm?
- Follow the doctor-recommended schedule for wearing contact lenses.
- Never sleep in your lenses unless prescribed.
- Maintain good hygiene – wash your hands before handling lenses and also clean the lenses properly.
- Wear specs intermittently to give your eyes a break – by reducing lens-related stress.
- Get regular eye check-ups to keep a tab on your eye health.
- Think about getting safe and painless vision correction treatments like SMILE Pro, Contoura Vision, LASIK, etc., as a long-term solution for clear vision.
It’s high time to rethink your contact lens use!
Visit Sohana Hospital, the most trusted eye hospital in Chandigarh, to explore safe vision correction options and protect your eye health!
